China to build 127 key special rail lines 
China will plan and construct 127 key special railway lines by 2020. These lines, with a total length of 1,586 km, are expected to reduce the number of short shuttle trips, boost traffic efficiency and improve economic and social benefits, according to the Chinese development... plus
New network member boosts London capacity
Palletforce has secured further capacity and services in London after recruiting one of the capital’s longest-serving distribution companies to its UK-wide network. Acclaim Pallet Express (APEX) has joined the network in a move which allows Palletforce to continue to invest in... plus
New connection between Norway and Italy
In cooperation with Kombiverkehr, the Norwegian Color Line has introduced a weekly direct railfreight link between the Norwegenkai in Kiel (Germany) and Verona in Italy. The train leaves Verona on the Thursday and arrives in Kiel on the Saturday. At the Norwegenkai there is... plus
Operail starts freight transport in Finland
The Estonian rail freight carrier Operail has launched a subsidiary in Finland and is investing EUR 50 million to begin freight services on Finnish railways. The expansion in Finland is part of the company’s long-term strategy. According to Operail, it is vital for the... plus
TIR system expands in Gulf region
Saudi Arabia is in the final stages of operationalising the TIR system. By implementing TIR, the country becomes an important connecting hub for three continents – Europe, Africa and Asia – and will join a globally applicable customs transit and guarantee system with 76 member... plus
Bolstering the fleet with new timber flat cars
Russian rail car manufacturer United Wagon Company (UWC) will supply Arkhbum with 15 timber flat cars. Arkhbum is a major operator in the railway services market. A contract was recently signed by the two companies. As a result of the deal, the total number of UWC-produced... plus
Bien trop souvent pas assez d’eau sous la quille 
Tous veulent transférer des marchandises vers le transport fluvial, mais ce n’est pas évident. Ce mode de transport lutte en effet contre les basses eaux et la baisse des volumes de vracs. Il y a toutefois également une lueur d’espoir dans les pays du Benelux. plus
CCTT vice chairman honoured
At the last plenary session of the CCTT (coordinating council on Trans-Siberian transportation) in Kazakhstan, InterRail-president Hans Reinhard stepped down as the CCTT vice chairman for personal reasons. RZD-president Oleg Belozyorov honoured Reinhard with a diploma for his... plus
Adding 100 LNG-/CNG-tractors to fleet in France
XPO Logistics has made a significant new investment in sustainability with the purchase of 100 Stralis Natural Power Euro VI tractors from Iveco. The new tractors will be assigned to the company’s less-than-truckload network in France, serving customers in the greater Lyon and... plus
New transloader at rail hub in Texas
R. J. Corman Railroad Switching Company in the USA was awarded the contract to be the switching and transloading provider for the 550,000 ssqm multi-modal logistics park in Hempstead (TX) owned by McAlister Assets and operated by RCR Rail. The hub is served by class I... plus